Praedicator

Verba

Tuesday, November 8, 2016 - Tuesday in the 32th Week in Ordinary Time

[Titus 2:1-8, 11-14 and Luke 17:7-10]

"When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'" [Luke]

The Gospel of Luke applauds initiative. The servants in the parable in today's passage do only what they are obliged to do. They should not expect the Master to be grateful to them just because they did what they had to do. A few days ago, the parable of the Dishonest Steward (which upsets some folks) commended the rogue steward for his initiative. Another parable about the servant who buries the money of his master for fear of losing it results in punishment, whereas his fellow servants who took initiative and invested the sums given to them are rewarded.

Parents, employers and religious superiors all know of children, employees and members of the community who do only what they are asked to do or are required to do and nothing more. There can be more than one reason for this. Perhaps they are "playing it safe" and afraid of risk. Perhaps they are lazy! "Taking initiative" in regard to living the Christian life means that we look for ways to reach out to our neighbor or "get involved" in the life of the parish or even just the life of the neighborhood. It is not enough to say, "I followed all the rules." The Lord has given us a great gift of faith that is meant to be shared by using our talents and abilities to help others. We are meant to be "profitable servants." AMEN